Projectile Steerable Control Surfaces Spherical Mechanism
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing projectile guidance systems with incidence-steerable control surfaces face complexity and stress issues due to rapid angular position adjustments, leading to current peaks and intense magnetic fields that interfere with homing devices and increase mechanical complexity.
Innovation Solution
A simplified mechanical structure using a spherical central control means with grooves and transmission members to transmit rotational movements to control surfaces, reducing the number of parts and stabilizing motor activity, allowing for smooth and efficient control surface incidence adjustments.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If fast movements of control surfaces are performed to correct projectile trajectory, then trajectory control accuracy is improved, but current peaks in motors are generated causing control instability
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies periodic action by using a continuous rolling motion of the projectile to periodically bring different control surfaces into the corrective position. Instead of making rapid, violent adjustments, the system exploits the natural rolling cycle to achieve gradual trajectory corrections, thereby avoiding current peaks while maintaining control accuracy.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements dynamics by adapting the control strategy to the rolling phase of the projectile. Control surfaces are activated at specific phases of the rolling cycle, transforming the static control problem into a dynamic one where control actions are timed with the rolling motion to minimize mechanical stress and electrical current peaks.
2Measurement precision
If frequent corrections of control surface incidence are performed to compensate for rolling, then guiding precision is improved, but intense and irregular magnetic fields are generated affecting homing devices
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses periodic action by synchronizing control surface adjustments with the periodic rolling motion of the projectile. This timing strategy ensures that corrections are made at optimal moments in the rolling cycle, achieving guiding precision while avoiding the generation of intense, irregular magnetic fields that would interfere with homing devices.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies preliminary action by pre-calculating and planning control surface adjustments based on the expected rolling phase. This allows the system to prepare control commands in advance, executing them smoothly at the right moment rather than making reactive, high-current adjustments that would create harmful magnetic fields.
3Measurement precision
If multiple gear trains and movement transmission parts are used to control control surfaces, then control precision is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts and eliminates unnecessary mechanical transmission components from the control system. By directly coupling the control mechanism with the control surfaces and utilizing the projectile's rolling motion, the patent removes multiple gear trains and complex transmission parts, thereby reducing device complexity while maintaining control precision through the intelligent use of rolling-phase timing.
4Speed
If rapid control surface adjustments are made to follow desired trajectory, then trajectory tracking speed is improved, but violent stresses are applied to motors
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies periodic action by utilizing the natural rolling cycle of the projectile to pace control surface adjustments. This approach maintains trajectory tracking speed by making corrections at regular intervals synchronized with the rolling motion, while avoiding violent stresses on motors by distributing adjustments across multiple rolling cycles rather than demanding rapid, high-force movements.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements dynamics by adapting control actions to the dynamic rolling state of the projectile. Control commands are modulated according to the instantaneous rolling phase, allowing the system to track trajectories effectively while dynamically adjusting motor demands to stay within safe stress limits.
Data Source
AI summary
The subject-matter of the invention is a method for controlling the control surfaces of a projectile and the associated projectile comprising incidence steerable control surfaces and comprising at least two control surfaces, each one being rotatable with respect to the projectile around a pivot axis perpendicular to the longitudinal axis X of the projectile, wherein the projectile comprises central means for controlling the control surfaces having at least a spherical shape, a control arm secured to the spherical shape and adapted to rotate the spherical shape, for each control surface a transmission member cooperating with the spherical shape and adapted to transmit to the control surface the rotation movements of the spherical shape, and means for positioning the arm.